Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I don't like e-cards. I really don't. I think they are impersonal beyond belief, but here I am... "Why?" you may ask. Well, there are about ninety-five of you on my Christmas card list and sending an e-card instead of a traditional card this year enables me to donate $146 to a charity of choice (last year I donated to Doctors without Borders). Enough said.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Eva

A brief synopsis: 2011 brought many changes to my life, and with them, opportunities to grow (and at times curl up in a ball and cry...).

In January 2011, having just returned from my second Christmas in 18 years with my family in Sweden/France and about to head to South America for two + weeks (great trip!!!), I got laid off in one of the tightest job markets since the great depression. But change is good: I used this as an opportunity to re-educate myself to enter a very different field of work for a second career, one that would be sustainable on a personal level for a longer time than being beaten up by horses: Higher/International Education. I started as a part-time, unpaid summer intern at a language school in Boston in April, got put in charge of the kids' camp in June, obtained my certificate to teach English as a Second Language in October, taught for two months and landed a full-time position last week...  :) .  Eight months from start to finish! Thanks to the many of you who supported me in my quest. Not to mention those of you who planted the seed years ago by shipping me out of Sweden.

I also made it to the west coast for the first time ever, where I celebrated my 40th birthday. Spent a wonderful week in San Fransisco with a great friend, her family and a new friend. When one door closes, try another... :)   I surfed for the first time, kayaked a lot, became a contributing writer to ecology.com and learned how to restrain lobsters. I started running again.  I made more new friends from around the world. I also want to point out that I had no unforseen injuries this year... just a knee surgery. Is the tide changing? ;) 

Best wishes for a fantastic 2012!
Eva